2021 vs 2022 RAM 1500 TRX: Key Differences and Which One to Buy
Performance Dodge Blog · Performance Truck Buyer’s Guide
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
The ram trx built a reputation as the most powerful production pickup in the world, and shoppers searching used listings now face a specific question: 2021 or 2022? Both years share the same supercharged Hellcat-derived engine, but the details underneath change enough to affect price and features.
This guide compares the 2021 and 2022 ram 1500 trx side by side so you know exactly what separates them before you commit.
The RAM 1500 TRX pairs 702 horsepower with serious off-road hardware.
In This Article
Key Takeaways
- ✓Both years share the same 702-horsepower supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8
- ✓The 2022 model launched at a higher MSRP than the 2021
- ✓Remote start became standard equipment for 2022
- ✓A 2021 model can be the better value if options match closely
- ✓Maintenance history matters more than model year on a used TRX
Why the 2021 and 2022 TRX Get Compared So Often
The TRX needs no introduction to truck shoppers. Its 702-horsepower supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 is borrowed from the Hellcat line of Dodge performance cars, and it made the TRX the most powerful production pickup on the market when it launched. RAM paused TRX production after a few model years, which means every TRX on a used lot today, including 2021 and 2022 examples, is a finite and increasingly sought-after truck rather than something you can simply order new.
Because the core engine and off-road hardware stayed consistent across both years, the decision usually comes down to price, mileage, and a handful of feature changes rather than a dramatic redesign.
What Stayed the Same
The heart of the truck didn’t change between these two years. Both the 2021 and 2022 TRX use the same supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 making 702 horsepower, the same eight-speed automatic transmission, and the same Baja-capable Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive damping suspension. Both also share the same 0-60 mph time of roughly 4.5 seconds.
If raw performance is your only priority, model year alone won’t decide the answer for you, which is why the details below matter more here than on most comparisons.
The supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 carries over unchanged between 2021 and 2022.
What Actually Changed Between 2021 and 2022
Here are the differences worth knowing before you compare listings.
1
Original MSRP
The 2021 TRX launched with a base price and destination charge totaling around $72,120. For 2022, both the base price and the destination fee increased, pushing the starting total to roughly $75,275, a difference of a bit over $3,000 before any options. That original pricing gap often still shows up in used values today.
2
Standard Equipment
Remote start, which was previously bundled into an optional equipment group or sold as a $245 standalone add-on, became standard on all TRX models for 2022. It’s a small change on paper but a genuinely useful one day to day.
3
Uconnect and Technology
Across the broader RAM 1500 lineup, 2022 models picked up the newer Uconnect 5 system, a noticeably quicker and more feature-rich interface than the Uconnect 4C found on 2021 trucks. If you spend a lot of time using navigation, apps, or trailering displays, this upgrade is worth experiencing in person.
4
Available Packages
Equipment group pricing shifted between the two years, and 2022 introduced the TRX Ignition Edition, a special package not offered on the 2021 model. If a specific option or trim package matters to you, confirm it against the individual listing rather than assuming it’s available across both years.
Which One Should You Buy?
Use these pointers to match the right model year to what you actually want out of the truck:
- If getting the lowest price for the same core performance is the priority, a 2021 TRX is often the stronger value
- If standard remote start and the newer Uconnect 5 interface matter to your daily routine, lean toward a 2022
- If a specific option package caught your eye, confirm the exact model year it was offered on before falling in love with a listing
- If mileage and maintenance history look similar between two trucks, let the equipment differences make the final call
- Either way, have a pre-purchase inspection done on the supercharger, suspension, and drivetrain given how hard these trucks are often driven
2021 RAM 1500 TRX vs 2022 RAM 1500 TRX
A quick reference for the two model years.
| Category | 2021 TRX | 2022 TRX |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8, 702 hp | Supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8, 702 hp |
| 0-60 mph | Approximately 4.5 seconds | Approximately 4.5 seconds |
| Original starting price | Around $72,120 with destination | Around $75,275 with destination |
| Remote start | Optional | Standard |
| Infotainment | Uconnect 4C, 12-inch touchscreen | Uconnect 5, faster interface |
Original MSRP figures reflect launch pricing and don’t reflect current used market value, which depends on mileage, condition, and options.
What to Check on Any Used TRX
A high-performance truck like the TRX deserves a closer look than a typical used pickup, regardless of model year.
Used TRX Inspection Checklist
- ☐Full service history, including supercharger and oil change intervals
- ☐Tire wear and remaining tread, since off-road tires wear differently
- ☐Bilstein Black Hawk e2 suspension condition and any leaks
- ☐Undercarriage inspection for signs of off-road impact damage
- ☐Confirmation of any remaining factory warranty coverage
Expert Insight: Condition Matters More Than the Model Year
Since the core mechanical package is nearly identical across 2021 and 2022, a well-maintained 2021 TRX with documented service history is frequently a smarter buy than a 2022 with gaps in its records. Prioritize the paper trail before you prioritize the calendar year.
Shopping the TRX in Woodbury, NJ
The best way to settle the 2021 versus 2022 question is to compare two real trucks side by side. If you’d like to see how the newer year stacks up in person, take a look at our 2022 RAM 1500 TRX listing alongside the 2021. For broader context on the RAM 1500 lineup this truck is built from, our RAM 1500 research page covers the full range of trims and engines.
Before you visit, you can value your trade to see how your current vehicle applies toward a truck like this.
Bringing It All Together
The 2021 and 2022 RAM 1500 TRX share the same 702-horsepower heart and the same Baja-tuned suspension, which means the decision between them usually comes down to standard features, original pricing, and the condition of the specific truck in front of you. Neither year is objectively “better” across the board, so let your priorities and a careful inspection make the call.
Ready to see what’s currently available? The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX listing at Performance Dodge is a great place to start.
Ready to See the TRX in Person?
Visit Performance Dodge in Woodbury, NJ, to compare the 2021 and 2022 RAM 1500 TRX, or reach out with questions before you make the trip.
0 comment(s) so far on 2021 vs 2022 RAM 1500 TRX: Key Differences and Which One to Buy